CARES/Spirit/Sunshine Meeting

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 11:00am-1:30pm

Attendance: Annie, Caryl, Anita, Maryann, Kim, Hayley, Ralene

Minutes taken by Hayley

Next meeting scheduled for Friday 8am

We are combining the CARES, Spirit, and Sunshine committee to create the School Wide Events Committee

Goals for the year:
We need one representative from each (two from grade one and grade two)

• Kindergarten
• Grade one
• Grade two
• Guidance
• Special education
• Reading
• Unified arts
• Administration
• Support staff (volunteer)

We need to bring the focus back to CARES

• Responsive Classroom?
  • o We would need training.
  • We need to refocus on student behavior data.
  • There needs to be a more consistent effort across all grade levels/all classes.
  • We need a systematic plan in place for the 5% of students who are unsuccessful with the regular classroom behavior management program.
    • o Our committee will brainstorm and make suggestions.
    • o Administration should be the one to make a decision and roll out whatever plan is decided on.
    • o Plan should be enforced school wide.
    • We would love time for vertical teaming.
      • o We need an opportunity to communicate with members of other grade levels.
      • We would love to have an opportunity to view the transition forms from the previous teacher.
        • o Objective information only.
        • o Ex: recent divorce, recent birth, vision difficulties, seating close to the board, previous SAT referrals etc.

Whole School Calendar: The Year At A Glance

• Copy of Google calendar
• All team meetings, school events, vacations, etc.
• Hung in teachers’ room
• Desktop calendar torn apart and hung on the wall J
• Guidance calendar should also be posted for teachers
  • o Suggest that Karen G. carries a walkie-talkie similarly to Cindy Libby

New weekday for CARES meetings: TBA

Sunshine:
Come up with a calendar to send Carol Nicholas a funny card once a week.
Open it up to the whole school community.
The purpose of the cards it to make her smile and laugh not cry.
Amy Finnerty is collecting donations for a Red Sox brick.
Other gift idea: Hotel stay and dinner in Boston, Blue Man Group tickets, Bruins/Celtics tickets?